Germany

Overview

Recent years have seen a surge in the number of international students wanting to study in Germany. Factors behind this surge include the solid reputation of Germany’s universities, living standards and economy, combined with the fact that undergraduate studies are currently free for all – though fees will be reintroduced for non-EU students at some German universities in autumn 2017.

German universities offer a wide and diverse range of degree programmes, many of them with English as language of instruction. The excellent training offered at German universities is based on the close unity of research and teaching: Leading researchers teach at the universities both in undergraduate and graduate courses and thus pass on the very latest knowledge to their students

English-language programmes are already fairly common at master’s level, particularly within the social sciences and business-related subjects. They’re now also becoming more widely available at undergraduate level – so with a bit of patience and research, you too might get the chance to study in Germany in English.

Types of Universities

There are basically two types of universities in Germany: The Research University (''Universität'') and the University of Applied Sciences (''Fachhochschule''). Research Universities are focused on research and take as a rule a more theoretical approach. They offer opportunities for doctoral research and award doctoral degrees. Some Research Universities with a very strong focus on technology are called University of Technology (''Technische Universität'')

Universities of Applied Sciences are focused on the application of research findings and cooperate closely with the local industry and public institutions. Internships are mandatory. Graduates from Universities of Applied Sciences are excellently trained specialists with very good career chances. Of course, there are also a number of specialized universities as well.

Benefits

Benefits of studying in Germany

High-quality teaching and research

Numbering around 400, German universities offer excellent opportunities for learning and research The British magazine Times Higher Education ranks eleven German universities among the world’s 200 best. International students also rate German universities highly: in a 2012 survey, a good 85 per cent of the international students surveyed stated that they were satisfied with the quality of the teaching. And more than 90 per cent praised the high standard of equipment of German university laboratories.

Attractive international courses

German universities also offer a large number of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and doctorates aimed at international students. Depending on the university and availability, the students can take these courses in English or French, for example.

Low fees

Unlike many other countries, no tuition fees are charged for undergraduate degrees at public universities in Germany. The university year is usually divided into two semesters. Since the winter semester 2014/2015, students nationwide are exempt from paying the tuition fees. Merely a semester fee must be paid, an amount results between 100 and 300 euros. In other words, German universities offer sound academic training for relatively low costs.

To live on, students in Germany need around 800 euros per month on average. You can earn something towards this by getting a student job.

Good career prospects

Studying at a German university could be your first step towards a career in Germany. Because German companies are looking for university graduates in a variety of sectors – especially in the fields of engineering, medicine, the life sciences and information technology.

High quality of life

Life in Germany is very good. If you study here, you will not only find Europe's most dynamic economy. Germany is also a very safe country, with a high standard of living, a rich cultural history and a very diverse population.

More good reasons to study in Germany

Within the last 25 years, 24 Germans were awarded a Nobel Prize.

Degree courses at German universities combine a sound theoretical foundation with practical application.

At German universities, you are instructed by top qualified professor’s right from the beginning.

At German universities, you get first class education for amazingly low fees- or even without any.

Foreign graduates of German universities are welcome to start their career in Germany

Germany is one of the leading industrial nations worldwide.

German universities are based on a century long academic tradition.

Admission Process

Admission and Visa Process

Undergraduate courses

For Undergraduate degree HSSC from Pakistan is not considered as equivalent to a German Secondary School Certificate ("Abitur”). From Pakistan with 14 years of education you may apply for an undergraduate course in the same field in Germany. Another option is to visit a foundation course in Germany (Studienkolleg) and pass a test ("Feststellungsprüfung”) before you are eligible to apply for an undergraduate course.

You need, however, basic knowledge of German when applying for a foundation course. High school graduates holding an A-level may apply directly for an undergraduate course at a German university depending on the number and the field of their A-level subjects

Graduate degree

For admission in master degree in Germany, applicants have to have competed 16 years of education (M.Sc., M.A., B.Eng, BS) before applying for a Master’s course in Germany.

How can I apply?

If you wish to apply to universities in Germany please contact ASCOM Consulting counsellors for assistance and guidance.

Entry Requirements

For all international degree courses with English as language of instruction, in most cases a certain IELTS or TOEFL score is required. When applying for a programme in German language, you have to pass a respective German language exam.

HSSC students can apply for foundation year before they could start their Bachelor degree programme. Whereas A-levels students and BA/BSc. students from Pakistan can apply directly to Bachelor’s courses. 16 years of education in Pakistan makes students eligible for the master degree admission. Students with M.Phil./MS (18 years) education in Pakistan can apply for PHD research programme in Germany.

Visa processing

Processing time: four weeks up to several months

Please note that study visas to students are normally issued with a validity of 3 months from the date of travel onwards to enable the passport holder to enter Germany and report at the relevant authorities. For the convenience of the passport holder it is now possible to issue such a visa with the validity of 6 months, if a matching travel health insurance is provided. 6 months valid health insurance for a student visa is required.

Please contact ASCOM Consulting expert counsellors for further details and help in visa application.

Institutes

Universities & Colleges in Germany

German universities offer a wide and diverse range of degree courses at all levels, attracting scores of students and graduates from all over the world. Hundreds of Pakistani academics and executives obtained their Master’s or PhD degree from a German university and built their career on it.

Beyond that, every major German city you can think of has at least one university ranked among the world’s best. A total of 15 German universities make the world’s top 250, and 31 are included within the world’s top 500. This establishes Germany well within the world’s higher education elite. In addition to world-class universities, Germany also offers high quality of life, relatively low tuition fees, extensive support and scholarship schemes for international students, and decent post-graduation employment prospects. So it’s easy to see why so many choose to study in Germany each year.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Applications for Germany universities are accepted 6-8 months before the class start dates. ASCOM counselors will help you in arranging your admission letter, acceptance letter from university, interview preparation for admission and visa application.

Whether you plan to pursue a short-term or full degree programme in the Germany, you have to consider the following 'Five Steps to Germany Study'.

Step 1: Research Your Options

ASCOM helps in finding the programme options available and how to identify an institution that best fits your needs.

Step 2: Finance your Studies

You would need to fund your studies and the tuition cost depends on the university you will select.

Step 3: Complete Your Application

ASCOM counsellors will help you in course selection, documents arrangement and providing complete information of requirements to apply for your programme. We arrange your admission letter and acceptance letter from the university.

Step 4: Apply for Your Student Visa

ASCOM expert counsellors will help you making the visa application. Giving updated information on its requirements. You will be prepared for the interview, both for admission and visa, professionally.

Step 5: Prepare for Your Departure

Pre-departure information including gathering documents for arrival and immigration compliance are provided before you depart for your studies.

Academic year

In Germany one study year contains two terms called semester. There is a summer and a winter term. Each term lasts half a year and contains two parts, the lecture period and the lecture-free period. In the lecture period every lecture and class takes place at university. In the lecture-free period the end of term exams take place and it is also possible to make an internship, to work or to enjoy your holidays. At university there are different kinds of lectures. The normal lectures are main part of the studies in most of the programmes. A professor speaks in front of the students about important content. On the contrary, in seminars there is an exchange between the professor and his or her students and in exercises the students can apply their theoretical knowledge in practical projects.

ASCOM Services

ASCOM offers help for selecting the best courses and institutes according to the student's interest and capability. Our team of expert counselors offers assistance in gaining admission to top notch universities of Germany. Other services provided include: